Moisture vapor transmission test cell

Abstract

A test cell comprises a first enclosure which is closed at one end and open at the other. A fan is located near the closed end for supplying conditioned air to the first enclosure and an aperture in the bottom wall of the enclosure near its open end. An apertured sample holder may be used to hold the test specimen in place during use. The first enclosure is preferably divided into first and second compartments by a slotted divider. The test cell may optionally include a baffle near its closed end to reduce eddying of the air and to provide a uniform air flow pattern across the test specimen. The test cell of the present invention may be used in conjunction with the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,827 to measure moisture vapor transmission characteristics of a test specimen.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A test cell useful in determining moisture vapor transmission characteristics comprising: an enclosure having a top wall,   a bottom wall having an upper surface and a lower surface,   a first side wall,   a second side wall,   a first end which is closed by an end wall, and a second end which is open;     means associated with said enclosure near its first end for supplying air to said enclosure, and   an aperture in the bottom wall of said enclosure near its open end.   
     
     
       2. A test cell according to claim 1 wherein a portion of the top wall of said enclosure is detachably securable. 
     
     
       3. A test cell according to claim 1 wherein said enclosure further includes a slotted divider which divides said enclosure into a first compartment located between said end wall and said divider and a second compartment located between said divider and said open end. 
     
     
       4. A test cell according to claim 3 wherein said means for supplying air to said enclosure comprises a fan means mounted on a hollow riser which is mounted on the top wall of said first compartment and is in fluid communication with said first compartment. 
     
     
       5. A test cell according to claim 3 wherein the aperture in the bottom wall of said enclosure is located in said second compartment. 
     
     
       6. A test cell according to claim 3 wherein said first compartment includes a baffle spaced from said slotted divider. 
     
     
       7. A test cell according to claim 3 wherein said means for supplying air to said enclosure comprises a fan means mounted on a hollow riser which is mounted on the top wall of said first compartment and is in fluid communication with said first compartment, said aperture in the bottom wall of said enclosure is located in said second compartment, and said first compartment includes a baffle spaced from said slotted divider.